Biology: The Science of Our LivesBiology literally means "the study of life". Biology is such a broad field, covering the minute workings of chemical machines inside our cells, to broad scale concepts of ecosystems and global climate change. Biologists study intimate details of the human brain, the composition of our genes, and even the functioning of our reproductive system. Biologists recently all but completed the deciphering of the human genome, the sequence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) bases that may determine much of our innate capabilities and predispositions to certain forms of behavior and illnesses. DNA sequences have played major roles in criminal cases (O.J. Simpson, as well as the reversal of death penalties for many wrongfully convicted individuals), as well as the impeachment of President Clinton (the stain at least did not lie). We are bombarded with headlines about possible health risks from favorite foods (Chinese, Mexican, hamburgers, etc.) as well as the potential benefits of eating other foods such as cooked tomatoes. Informercials tout the benefits of metabolism-adjusting drugs for weight loss. Many Americans are turning to herbal remedies to ease arthritis pain, improve memory, as well as improve our moods. Can a biology book give you the answers to these questions? No, but it will enable you learn how to sift through the biases of investigators, the press, and others in a quest to critically evaluate the question. To be honest, five years after you are through with this class it is doubtful you would remember all the details of meatbolism. However, you will know where to look and maybe a little about the process of science that will allow you to make an informed decision. Will you be a scientist? Yes, in a way. You may not be formally trained as a science major, but you can think critically, solve problems, and have some idea about what science can and cannoit do. I hope you will be able to tell the shoe from the shinola.

The Scientific Process

Scientists make progress by using the scientific method, a process of checking conclusions against nature. After observing something, a scientist tries to explain what has been seen. The explanation is called a hypothesis. There is always at least one alternative hypothesis. A part of nature is tested in a "controlled experiment" to see if the explanation matches reality. A controlled experiment is one in which all treatments are identical except that some are exposed to the hypothetical cause and some are not. Any differences in the way the treatments behave is attributed to the presence and lack of the cause. If the results of the experiment are consistent with the hypothesis, there is evidence to support the hypothesis. If the two do not match, the scientist seeks an alternative explanation and redesigns the experiment. When enough evidence accumulates, the understanding of this natural phenomenon is considered a scientific theory. A scientific theory persists until additional evidence causes it to be revised.Nature's reality is always the final judge of a scientific theory. Science is an objective, logical, and repeatable attempt to understand the principles and forces operating in the natural universe. Science is from the Latin word, scientia, to know. Good science is not dogmatic, but should be viewed as an ongoing process of testing and evaluation. One of the hoped-for benefits of students taking a biology course is that they will become more familiar with the process of science. Humans seem innately interested in the world we live in. Young children drive their parents batty with constant "why" questions. Science is a means to get some of those whys answered. When we shop for groceries, we are conducting a kind of scientific experiment. If you like Brand X of soup, and Brand Y is on sale, perhaps you try Brand Y. If you like it you may buy it again, even when it is not on sale. If you did not like Brand Y, then no sale will get you to try...

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...THE SCIENTIFICPROCESS
Scientists make progress by using the scientific method, a process of checking conclusions against nature. After observing something, a scientist tries to explain what has been seen.
The explanation is called an hypothesis. There is always at least one alternative hypothesis.
A part of nature is tested in a "controlled experiment" to see if the explanation matches reality. A controlled experiment is one in which...

...to return to a normal resting rate.
Photosynthesis ….. is the process where plants use to make glucose.
In this process light energy used to combine with carbon dioxide and water .
Word equation= carbon dioxide + water = glucose + oxygen
SO.. Where does photosynthesis occur?
is a complex series of reactions
they are catalysed by enzymes in organelles called chloroplast
light energy is the substance in the process and is absorbed...

...Biology Lab Scientific Paper
Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are small “packages” of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms during pregnancy and how the baby’s body functions as it grows in the womb and after birth. Usually, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes but babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21. A medical term for having an extra copy of a...

...﻿
Cell Shape and Diffusion-Practical Report (Re-Written)
23-04-2012
Year 11 IB Biology
Title: Cell Shape and Diffusion
Diffusion is a type of passive transport which allows particles to move from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration. In a living system, diffusion involves a cell membrane. Cells also need to excrete waste which also occurs at the cell membrane.
Aim: The aim is to use model cells made from agar which contains...

...﻿
Aim: To construct a field graph to study the local ecosystem at the Minnamurra estuary involving abiotic factors, transects and abundance.
Method:
Measuring abiotic factors
1. Measure the elevation along the transect line in centimetres using an inclinometer in each quadrat.
2. Measure the soil temperature in degrees using a thermometer by placing it in the ground in the quadrat.
3. Measure the air temperature in degrees using a thermometer by holding it up in the air just...

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Male System
The structure and function of the human male reproductive system, is very similar to that of many other mammals. The male system is designed to make sperm or male gametes and is adapted to provide for the delivery of these gametes to the female to allow for fertilization.
Male Reproductive System
Male Reproductive System Structures
1. testes -- produces sperm and the hormone testosterone
2. scrotum -- pouch enclosing the testes keeping the sperm at an...

...12. Diffusion- the process whereby particles of liquids, gases, or solids intermingle as the result of their spontaneous movement caused by thermal agitation and in dissolved substances move from a region of higher to one of lower concentration
13. Endocytosis-incorporation of substances into a cell by phagocytosis or pinocytosis
14. Enzyme-a chemical substance in animals and plants that helps to cause natural processes (such as digestion)
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